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Monday, April 23, 2012

Bike Pick Up

Brad with Ridley's owner Ron

We just got to Calgary and after a long flight it’s nice
to have things for the trip in motion. We’re headed to Ridley’s Cycle in
Kensington to pick up our new Trek 5.2 Madone bikes. Ridley’s is one of the
biggest Trek dealers in western Canada and we’re lucky enough that my son
Patrick works there.

Ron, the owner, greets us at the shop and after some
catching up, we get changed into our bib shorts and sit upon our new bikes for
the first time. I went first and spun on the rollers similar to when we
originally got sized up at Bushtukah, in Ottawa, except this time the
adjustments are more minute. Cycling greats like Lance Armstrong and Eddy
Merckx were known to be fanatical about their bikes, stressing perfection down
to the millimeter, so I know the importance of a good fit.

Pat takes a look and
has Ron take a look for a second opinion. They seem to be channeling the
spirits of those legends’ mechanics as he moves the seat forward slightly and
swaps out the stem for one that’s slightly longer to accommodate my long
gorilla arms. Erik goes next. It’s interesting to watch the process from a
different perspective; you really can see how the smallest adjustments to the
bike or seat position affect the way the rider moves on the bike. The more
efficient we can make our riding, the easier it will be on those long days in
the saddle that lay ahead.

Brad and son Patrick

Once we’re all fitted up, Pat starts up “The List.” With our
spring start date and the unpredictable nature of the Rocky Mountains, we have
to be ready for anything from rain to snow to sub zero temperatures. We gather
all sorts of gear so we’ll be ready for anything and grab some spare parts so
we can make minor repairs as needed. It may be a flat tire, snow over the
mountains, or maybe even something worse but the more prepared we are to cope
with what’s thrown in our path, the better.

Wheeling my bike out of the store, I’m excited
to get out and go for a ride with Erik and Patrick around Calgary and try out
my new bike. I’m feeling fast and strong and I can’t wait to dip my tires in
the Pacific and start the journey.